But I had to install in as local printer on lpt 1
Unless you are on a network it would be a local printer?
would not reconize it as a usb printer automatically.
Normally with USB printers you need to install software for it before you
plug the USB cable into the PC. If all else fails go to the HP website for
that printer and XP and download the XP
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?
lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=18972&prodSeriesId=81913&prodNameId=81915&swEnvOI
D=228&swLang=8&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=dj-15395-3
PCL3 driver (full printing system, WHQL certified) for the hp deskjet
450ci/cbi printers 1.3 13 Aug 2004 16.7 56K: 40m 512K: 4m
Download (Save) that file, not Run, when it asks you and make a note of
where to find the file on your PC. After download and with the printer not
plugged into the PC, right mouse click on the downloaded file name and
select the Compatibility TAB, set that to XP with SP2 and check Run as
Administrator and OK your way out.
Hope that helps but first of all check the next point.
Also it does not show up in device manager,
I don't think Printers do show up in Device Manager. Look in START /
Settings / Printers (if you have Start set to Classic mode) and see if
there is an icon for the printer there. If there is right mouse click on
it and select Properties and look on the Ports TAB and see if you can
change the port from LPT to USB (may be called DOT.....)